//And so first community arrived on the old world, and the virgin land was fertile and bountiful, and the community grew from the fruits of the forests and the beasts of the grass. And the community was happy, and they lived without fear, without war, and without hate, and were reverent to Order. But Chaos soon whispered in their ears, and he told them false ways of happiness, in that of shining rocks instead of their brothers. And the first community, strayed away from the right path, were led to believing this false truth, and sought after the rocks. They clustered together, burning all plants except for a single type, and squatted in their own filth while a few gathered the shining rocks, and told themselves they were happy. Order warned them about their life, sending plagues and famine to guide them back to the old ways, but they were blinded by the greed of Chaos. They built towers of shining stone, and burnt the earth and poisoned the air with iron beasts that belched smoke into the air, and enslaved those who followed the old ways. Order saw that his warnings were ignored, but was determined to set his people right. He made the ocean rise, consuming the towers of rock and the belching beasts. Still the people did not see the true ways, and moved to the cities out of reach of the sea, thronging in huge masses, not to the safety of wilderness, but to willing enslavement in the highlands. And so Order, seeing that the people could not be changed, sent great flames over the towers of stone, so not only were they destroyed but so that they were filled with poison that could not be seen, but killed the people in large numbers. Order sent the forces of ice over the land, so that for many years there was no summer but only winter, and the invisible poison scoured the earth until all was barren and dead. But Order did not want to see all his people gone, but only so that they start again. So Order sent a message to the last people, to gather all of the plants and animals of the land and put them in burlap sacks, so that they may be moved without being harmed. And so Order sent a silver eagle to the last people, whom carried them in his talons and flew them away through an empty void to a new land. But the land had no water, and the air was such as that of the highest mountains, and the last people could not live. So the silver eagle reached up and grasped a sky rock, and brought it down so that it crashed and brought water and air so that the people could breath and drink and live. And the eagle took the burlap bags and spread the animals and plants far and wide, so the new land grew and flourished. And so the last community became the first community, and they arrived on the new world, and the virgin land was fertile and bountiful, and the community grew from the fruits of the forests and the beasts of the grass.//

-Excerpt from South Adriatica creation myth. One of the puzzles of modern archeology is the widespread nature of creation myths resembling this one in ancient and modern nomadic cultures. Stories like these are thought to account for the delayed widespread adoption of agriculture for thousands of years, but eventually the old myths were lost, and people began to grow crops and build towns. It was not until 0 A.C., though, that the first cities emerged, and the formation and growth of the first civilizations ends the years of first farming.

By the year 1100 A.A.(After Civilization, with zero A.C. being the same date as the first cities in Hellania), three city states commanded a considerable sphere of influence, each inhabiting a river valley. The one on SE Meditterrania was powerful, rich, and influential, being made up of a number of city states, but their dispersed natured made them pale in might compared to two other civilizations of the same time period. Agriculture there is based on wheat, rye, and a large, heavy subspecies of the Bactrian Camel.

Kattaristan

The tribal coexistence of the early inhabitants of this portion of the Hellania region are just called the Kattar people, collectively " The Kattarian Civilization" or Kattaristan. Their life resembles that of the ancient Maya, their obsession with the heavens and the world on which they live originated in the early creation myths of the region. They, in particular, are obsessed with the silver eagle, and their beliefs revolve around it. They reside on the higher mountainous areas of the region, feeling that the height and the temples they build on the peaks would attract the attention of the Eagle. They value silver, thinking it's the feathers of the eagle, and make little idols of the bird out of it. They trade with other tribes in the region, mainly grains for things like stone (The Kattarians getting the grain).

- Excerpt from the Encyclopedia Adriatica

Kattar, the city state at the heart of this nation, controls hundreds of miles of farmland, and is governed by a hereditary religious leader. Agriculture, benefiting from the tropical climate and the yearly storms from the South Australis Ocean, was quick to arise from the domestication of rice, onions, and sugarcane, and was later followed by the domestication of the Chicken and the Cow.

Krumitus Civilization

The Krumitus civilization originally started when the Krumitar people, a group of coastal nomads, settled along the Flama River Valley. These people stayed along the coast because of the good fishing areas and became quite adept at the various fishing styles. This has become their largest export to the surrounding tribes.

Because of their close proximity to water, the Krumitar people have become obsessed with water as their life source and have come to worship it as their major god, among the other spiritual gods.

Their government is an oligarchy with a council of elders making the major decisions for the tribe. A chieftain acts as the enforcer and is generally the strongest of the tribesmen.

- Excerpt from the Encyclopedia Adriatica

While many small fishing villages line the shores contained withing the range of Krumitus rule, most are concentrated slightly upstream, at the Flama River Valley, forming the large city-state of Krumit, the center of rule. Agriculture is just as important as fishing, primarily because of the same climate given to the Kattarians, but with different domesticated species. Potatoes and peanuts are the primary crops, and muscovy ducks and dogs provide meat.

While none of these civilizations have discovered one another, besides a vague notion by the Kattarians of the civilization in SE Meditterrania, that would soon change with rises in technology that allowed peoples to travel faster and more efficiently, like never before.

During the fifty years between 100 and 150 A.A., the population of Kattar and the surrounding lands have experienced a population boom, leading to an ever-increasing amount of technological and cultural progress. Farm laborers have taken ideas from the cities and used them to make their farms more efficient. The most noticeable of these is the wheel, circles made of wood and fixed to a wooden tub, three per wagon. These can be used to transport goods and equipment longer and faster, pulled by laborers. The culture's fixation on the religious leader and his teachings has led to relative stability within the empire.

The Krull EmpireWhile the various city-states of SE Meditterannia were prosperous, they were also scattered and militarily weak. This changed during the year 107 A.A., when the Krull people, a group of nomads originating from the Meditterranian plateau, were forced out do to food supplies and attacked the area. With a swift subspecies of Bactarian Camel used to hunt and for riding, along with advanced stone weaponry, they quickly united the scattered city-states under the control of their people. Although this created two different classes with specific ethnicity, a ruling class of highlanders and a working one of natives, besides from some small skirmishes the empire remains relatively stable. A large canal has been assembled to divert floodwaters into the interior planes between the two rivers, resulting in an increase in agriculture, and therefore wealth. A new capital city, located at the head of the Northern river, is centered around a giant ziggurat that serves as the center of governance.

KrumitusLarge increases in agriculture have, like in Kattaristan, led to a population boom and an increase in population size. But although agriculture is the primary source of food, fishing remains an important part of not only their economy but also their culture. To better aid in fishing, large rafts called rakits, generally measuring around seven meters wide, float up to a hundred meters away from the shore and are secured by large ropes. This allows access to deeper waters where fish are most abundant, and while most reel the rakits in at night to sleep on shore, large cities composed of up to fifty or so can be found drifting in deep water, only going to shore to trade and to allow representatives on to collect tax. The high tax put on fish have angered some, and so have spread eastward, forming a small empire centered on the massive city of Ikakota, which is composed of hundereds of connected rakits. To help offset some of the growing population many colonists have been sent southward along the river, expanding the empire considerably.

KattaristanThe population boom has continued over the last fifty years, leading to some interesting side effects. The empire has expanded, claiming new land to help feed the growing population. Large amounts of food due to increased agricultural technology has allowed the amount of people in non-agricultural professions to grow, leading to further increases in technology and widespread adoption of the native culture. A byproduct of this is new innovations that are set to change the lifestyle of the people. A thin paper-like material is now manufactured from reeds, colored by simple inks, which allows messages to be sent in the writing formerly written on clay tablets. Some coastal and river peoples have taken to strapping logs together to form simple rafts, moving along by using sticks to push off of the bottom.

The Krull EmpireLike in Kattaristan, the Krull Empire has also experienced a population boom. In 254 A.A, the emperor that had previously ruled tThe Krull Empire died, to be replaced by K'argoth I, who is widely recognized as the founder of the K'argoth Dynasty. K'argoth invested in technological research, leading to many smaller advancements that has increased agricultural production and settlement, expanding the empire upriver. The most important of these is metallurgy, allowing copper implements to be made for war and farming. While the Krull Empire was entering a golden age, many of the subjective natives continued to riot. This lead to a crackdown on dissidents by the leading class. The dissedents were forced to flee in two groups, each traveling hundreds of miles before settling in two new locations one the Scindolia Strait.

KrumitusIncreased agriculture in this region can be linked to the amount of currency put in to building and maintaining irrigation systems, as well as the continued expansion downriver. Innovation in the building of rafts has led to primitive sails to control the boats, as well as smaller and more hydrodynamic rafts used purely for transportation. Many of these travel back and forth between Ikakota and Krumitus, exchanging goods and forming the first true trade route. But while relations with Ikakota were still friendly, ships have been outfitted to carry stone weapons and a group of hunters meant specifically to attack if it was needed.

IkakotaWhile expansion has generally taken place along the coast, some expansion inward allows agriculture in the wet and tropical region. Like the Krumitus, they have invented mobile rafts powered by the wind.

KattaristanKattaristan culture and technological progress has, in the last hundred years, stagnated. While the country remains prosperous and a regional power, much of the government is corrupt and many of the population feel unsatisfied with the government, leading to smaller, regional riots in some areas as well as less wealth going to the national treasuries.

The Krull EmpireIn contrast to its neighboring civilization, Kattaristan, the Krull Empire has become the center of a cultural blossoming, the so called "Age of Arts". Expanding its territories to acquire fresh agricultural areas and coastline, it has also gained a key piece of technology, the wheel, from cultural diffusion eastward(though as yet it still lacks a consistent trade rout with Kattaristan). This has allowed it to trade with the smaller city states of the region, although the two larger states on the East coast(Jaunamaja to the North, and Cilveku Nacija)remain hostile of the government, but are to small to engage it openly, and indeed have almost no connections to each other because of the distances involved. Pulled by the invader's camels, these three-wheeled carts have led to an increase in the empire's wealth from the greater capacity to collect taxes. The carts have also led to the development of paved roads that stretch outward for tens of miles from the capital.

KrumitusKrumitus can be said to be the state that has prospered the most in the last one hundred years. A large campaign of Slash-and-Burn agriculture has been set in motion by the ruler, Ugana I, allowing vast tracks of land to be farmed in between the branches of the Flam. Awed by the majesty of the mountains, he has also sent expeditions to settle them, claiming for the empire. While these regions are generally poorer than the forested areas to the North, with the people depending on a newly domesticated species, the Alpacka, who's meat is enough to sustain the farmers their, along with the trade for their valuable fur. A new river that leads to the Adriatic Strait has been discovered, and is the major population center below the equator. A joint merchant fleet involving both Ikakota and Krumitus ships caught in one of the yearly Hypercanes from the Circumglobal Ocean, weakened by its journey across the Scindolian mainland, was brought to the Southern shore of Gilbaltia, where they made contact with Jaunamaja, and as such have established a trade route across the Scindolian Strait. While the trade route is relatively small because of the distance involved, an influx of new cultural ideas, as well as an exchange of both domesticated plants and animals. Generally, ships will travel from Scindolia on the yearly Hurricane winds, and come back on the easterly trade winds found near the equator. Both this new trade and increase in trade from Ikakota has led to a merchant class, which has in turn financed schools for their children to learn various trades.

IkakotaThe last hundred years have shown a large expansion along the coast, pushing up toward Krumitus in the East, and moving toward the sub-tropical regions in the West. Increased technological advancement has allowed larger rafts to be built, and increased trade with both Krumitus and Juanumaja.

With settlement away from the water becoming more and more common, a new religion has arisen in Krumitus from ancient polytheistic regions. The religion preaches a caste system, so that the merchants are inferior to the ruling class, and the peasants and fishermen to the merchants. Adherents believe that only through strict obedience to the class that they are born into can they hope to attain eternal paradise, and acceptance by the five gods that represented the five basic elements(Air, Water, Fire, Soil, and Life). This religion has spread rapidly through Krumitus and the Inland areas of Ikakota, adding stability to the area.

KattaristanThe rampant corruption and endless oppression that plagued the nation for nearly a century has inevitably led to the nurture of an entire strata of society possessing a profound abhorrence towards the perverse and morally intractable elite. These victims of the vile and wretched system have, for generations, been harshly treated by antiquated laws and guilty displays of power.

No words in existence could ever sway their views of the evils of those in power.

They have been robbed, beaten, trodden to an inch of their life. They have witnessed countless persecutions of those who fought for what was rightfully just. They could not take any more of it. The day would soon come when the slovenly **pigs shall burn in the glorious flames of virtuous rebellion.

The kindling have been gathered. The tinder prepared. The only thing needed left was the spark which will ignite the great fires that will purify the fallen kingdom and return it to it's rightful place.

That spark, was former *meda, King Zubarri son of Zora.

A wise and stalwart priest, he was appalled by the acts of high and normal meda alike. Disenchanted, he dwelt long in the world of doubt, searching for reconciliation in the records of time passed. He was horrified at what he saw. The nation had fallen into a river of filth which, due to it's cancerous head, had become too stubborn to lift it's own weight. He searched for a solution, and he found it...

In fire.

Time passed and he steeped deeper and deeper into the shadows. Behind authority's backs, he carefully arranged the the unknowing pieces, nudging them into place within the grand scheme of his "Purifying Rebellion". At last, the time came for the great fire to be unleashed upon the world.

With a tumultuous declaration, people all across rose from their prostrated forms, declaring war on their despicable rulers. Their fervent rage directed at the wicked, they marched through the city, intent on seizing the lavish central temple and the contemptible **swine within. And so, as they dragged the vile high-meda, and his remaining circle of accomplices, to the city square, Zubarri son of Zora spoke out, announcing the people will.

"Let us hang the last high-meda with the bowels of his last associates!"

And it was so.

Excerpt from the introduction to the popular historical fiction novel, Fallen Eagle.

So freed from the oppressive government, and establishing a new monarchical one, Kattaristan began a large expansion campaign up the rivers and around the coasts, performing Slash-and-Burn agriculture to increase agriculture. Far more important, however, is the trade initiated by the "discovery" of Kattaristan by The Krull Empire, as well as a revitalization of trade to smaller states around Hellania. Called the Silver Road because of the trade of silver from Kattaristan to The Krull Empire, and the flow of Copper to Kattaristan, it has resulted in an interchange of domesticated species, as well as the spread of the monotheistic religion of the Kattars to the Krull Empire. Another major innovation is the stacking of many pieces of papyrus on top of one another, and binding it with cord. These books are spread throughout the upper and newly formed merchant classes of both Kattaristan and The Krull Empire.

The Krull EmpireAs mentioned in the above entry, Jaroom the Trader from The Krull Empire explored west, discovering and initiating trade with Kattaristan, causing the spread of new technologies and domesticated species, as well as the worship of the Silver Eagle. A large amount of riots have led to the creation of a policed force payed for by the newly-formed merchant class, so that the merchants have to maintain a police force in the areas that they trade in. This has given them increased political clout in recent years, as well as some plotting to overthrow the empires.

Krumitus Civilization

Jawal I, grandson of Ugana I, assumed power after the peaceful passing of his father. Unlike most rulers before him, Jawal I had undergone a formal education and was always searching for new things to discover and learn about. One of the first actions he took as the Chieftain of the Krumitar people was to expand the educational centers that he had come to love. At the same time he made it mandatory for all children between the ages of 7 and 9 to be present at these educational centers at least thirty days out of the year, one of the earliest forms of education in the Krumitus Civilization. However, enforcement of this rule was lacking, and although some children did attend, and were free to do so, it wasn't as strict as Jawal wished it were.

Jawal I was very active within the Krumitar people, constantly traveling throughout the empire to take in all of his domain. He was especially pleased with the city of Luicho, the first major population center established on the other side of the mountains. In fact, he fell in love with it so much that he renamed the city to Ugana (to honor both his father and his grandfather), and established a palace here and frequented it as a vacation spot. Whenever there was some leftover money in the royal funds, they were normally diverted to this city in order to expand and beautify it to Jawal's liking. He saw the coast of the Adriatic Strait as more beautiful than the Scindolia Strait and encouraged many people to settle there.

Even though Jawal was born and raised in the coastal-river city of Krumit, he was never partial to the pagan religion of water worshiping. He did realize the great power and benefits the Krumitar people derived from the oceans, but the belief in only the water gods did not entice him. When the new religion of Yulamee was established within the Krumitus civilization, Jawal was quick to embrace it. When he became leader of the Krumitar Empire, he quickly declared it the state religion and began funding missionary expeditions both within the Krumitar Empire and into the neighboring Empire of Ikakota as well.

As mentioned before, Jawal I was very active in exploration and was actually a skilled navigator. He recognized the importance of trade between his empire and those countries neighboring him. In order to make the trading more efficient, Jawal brought together some of the most skilled cartographers within the empire and funded their expeditions to create the most accurate map possible of the Krumitar Empire and the coasts. He wanted the cartographers to pay special attention to the coast, since these maps would mainly be used as navigational devices for the merchant fleets that traded goods to both the Empire of Ikakota and the smaller state of Jaunamaja.

At the same time, the winds and waters of the Scindolia Strait could be rough, and there were a number of merchant ships that had simply disappeared and never returned. Jawal hoped to change this and funded a competition that included all of the most skilled shipbuilders in the Empire. The shipwright that designed the ship that could carry the largest cargo while being the safest to travel in would be greatly rewarded. From these designs Jawal hoped to create the largest Treasure Fleet ever known. He hoped to have this fleet carry goods to far away places that had not yet been explored while showing the might of the Krumitar people at the same time. But Jawal also knew that there were possible enemies out in the world, so he commissioned his greatest general to assemble several contingents of troops and train them in maritime warfare so that they could both fight on the land and at sea. He called this military branch "Lukan." Only the best and brightest were allowed within this military branch.

-Encyclopedia Adriatica article on Jawal I

IkakotaIkakota has continued to spread its empire both up the coast and inward, increasing trade with both Krumitus and Juanamaja. The manufacture of faster ships has become important, and they have copied Krumitus's practice of keeping a small reserve militia. Yulamee has become the majority religion, surpassing the old pagan water-worshiping religions.

JuanamajaSwelling vastly because of new technologies, domesticated animals and plants, and income from the Scindolian civilizations, Juanamaja has become by far the most important state on the Scindolian coast of Meditterrania and Gilbaltia. Yulamee has also been introduced from Krumitus, and has gathered many followers.

Cilveku NacijaNot much has occurred in Cilveku Nacija, remaining isolated by both the Meditterranian plateau, and the Scindolian Strait. It has grown slightly by assimilating smaller city-states through peaceful means.

PerdagastanWith the Silver Road bringing large caravans of camel-driven carts through southern Meditterrania, it was only a matter of time before smaller city-states arose as way stations that serviced these. One of the largest, Perdag, had the advantage of being located near a large freshwater lake, and quickly swelled to encompass both that and the nearby coast. It serves as an important refueling location, and the continuing mixture of Kattar and Krull peoples has led to the beginnings of a unique culture that combines elements from both lands.

KattaristanUnder the reign of Zetha, Kattaria continued to be prosperous and innovative, expanding eastward and upriver. Their rafts have become more streamlined, and the invention of the paddle has allowed them to wander far into the lakes that dot the landscape. The economy has also grown, helped by the introduction of a standardized currency that replaced the former local currencies. An army has been created to maintain order in the newly acquired areas.

The Krull EmpireThe actions of the Krull Empire in recent years have been primarily military oriented. Disbanding the old mercenary forces of the merchants, and uniting them under the name of the Krull Legiona. Armed, for the first time in history, with copper based weapons in the form of axes, these are used primarily as a police force. However, the empire soon heard stories of a prosperous empire located near the center the silver road, Perdagastan. Realizing that occupation of the area would allow them to tax and control the flow of trade along the road, as well as stopping the spread of the Kattar's religion, he dispatched a force of almost a thousand infantry toward Perdagastan. While almost a third of the soldiers died of hunger, murder by locals, or other causes, the army still managed to cut through the bulk of the empire with minimal losses, laying siege to Perdagastan, and setting up various stations on the major trade routes to collect tax for the Krull Empire. Abuse of Kattars was common, as they were treated as an inferior race by the soldiers, and this combined with the stoppage of trade angered many in Kattaristan. On the sixth month of the long siege, the people of Perdag only surviving on imports from what little trade still flowed from Kattaristan, a collection of Kattar mercenaries hired by merchants hurt by the cutting off of a large portion of silver road trade arrived to eject the occupational army. While only composed of a few hundred soldiers, with the aid of the Perdagistan citizens they managed to eject the army from Perdag. An increase in shipping technology has also resulted in the last hundred years, with streamlined rafts becoming more and more common. The silver trade has led to the introduction of the chicken to the Krull Empire, stimulating agriculture. While the cow has also been introduced, the camel subspecies common in the area is better suited to the area, and is still prevalent.

KrumitusLeaps and bounds have been made in naval technology in the last one hundred years. Loadstones have been used in navigation, allowing ships to position themselves without aid of stars or sky. Scindolian point has been navigated, allowing trade, even during the winter months. Settlement of the area has also occurred, expanding the area. Rumors of a western civilization prompted the emporer to send a treasure fleet down the coast of Meditterrrania, discovering Cilveku Nacija and initiating trade with the state. Education has also expanded, helped along with the invention of paper.

IkakotaBecause of their eastward orientation, Ikakota has not participated in trade with Cilveku Nacija. Yulamee now make up the majority of the population.

JuanamajaSome trade has occurred with Cilveku Nacija, although their distance from the area has limited this. Yulamee is now a major religion in the area.

Cilveku NacijaContact with both their long-lost relatives in Juanamaja, and the Scindolian states, has invigorated the economy. Yulamee has been introduced, along with various domesticated species.

PerdagastanWhile Perdagastan suffered during the siege of Perdag, Kattaristan influence in the area(and the resumption of silver road trade) has caused a resurgence, making it even stronger than before. The Kattar's eagle religion is now the majority religion.

KattaristanWhile the siege of Perdagastan was a conflict fought on the Kattar's side by the merchants, the Kattaristan elite realized that the Krull Empire, heavily militaristic, would probably continue the war to the west. They decided to go on the offensive, mobilizing their army, and sending it east past Perdagastan. In addition, many merchants, in the interest of subduing the Krull Empire and forcing it to increase the level of trade with Kattaristan, built up a large mercenary army that rivaled that of the "official" military. After a stay in the now closely allied Perdagastan, which itself added a significant amount of troops to the army, they continued east until they came into contact with the Krull Empire, halfway between the Krull Empire and Perdagastan. While the Kattar forces had a larger army, the Krull were experienced in warfare, and had the advantage of a new invention, modified three-wheeled agricultural carts pulled by camels, that functioned as primitive chariots.The battle was short and bloody, ending in a Kattar victory, but by a thin margin. However, what little troops remained were forced to retreat back to Perdagastan, as they did not nearly number enough to occupy the Krull Empire.

Kattar settlement and conquest has undergone a recent explosion, with Kattaristan now stretching as far as Lake Athenges. While the Silver Road still exists, its trade has been greatly decreased by the recent war, and so the greater part of trade now takes place with Perdagastan. A primitive school system has also been founded, with the sons of merchants gathered together to be taught the ways of trade.

The Krull EmpireThe defeat of the Krull army by Kattaristan, after the treasuries had been near-emptied to fight the war, has caused some despair among the Krull people. This, along with the subdued people's continued resentment of the decadent elite, has led to major riots in some areas. The government remains for now, but is becoming more unstable as time progresses.

KrumitusOver the past several decades, the educational centers, now termed universities, have continued to push forward with their technological discoveries. One of the more interesting, but least practical, studies conducted at the University of Luicho is the study of philosophy. Here, students and general citizens have debated various issues regarding life, and everything it involves. They have poured over questions that do not have any real answers while studying the religions and the affects they have on people. While this isn't necessarily the most productive class, it has produced some very interesting individuals who have excelled in other areas of expertise.

Ogula was one of these people. He attended the University of Luicho and took part in philosophy, construction, and the newer mathematics studies for several years before striking out to explore various cultures. He visited the Empire of Ikakota and Juanamaja on several occasions, following along on trade missions. From these places he drew inspiration for new ideas and concepts. Upon returning home, he settled back in the capital of Krumitar where he became a great engineer. Drawing from his studies in mathematics and his knowledge of construction materials, he was hired throughout the city to construct newer buildings. His methods were unconventional, but over the course of his lifetime he altered the style of Krumitar architecture. Large blocks of stone were used very frequently to create strong foundations and pillars. Wood from the large rain forests would create the walls, and tiles of ceramic were placed on the top to create the roof. This style of construction allowed for taller buildings to be constructed, and the cities of Krumitar soon became more dense as people began to live on top of one another, rather than closely together as before. The smaller wooden constructions that made up the older cities were soon replaced by these sturdier structures of stone. One of the other lasting affects Ogula had on Krumitar construction was to lay out plans before the actual construction took place. This organization reduced waste and created a more efficient building method.

The greatest work Ogula built was constructed at Scindolus Point, under the commission of the local merchants guild. These merchants needed a large beacon to be constructed at the very tip of the coast, to warn them of the shore and ward off ships that were coming too close. Many ships had been lost at this vital trade port, and as a result, a large lighthouse was required to keep Scindolus Point safe. At the same time, the merchants wanted more room to store the vast amount of goods that passed through the city. So Ogula set to work, combining these two things to create the Grand Trade Center of Scindolus Point. A giant lighthouse was constructed that was recognized as the highest structure within the Krumitar Empire. Twenty large warehouses were constructed, ten of which were located underground in order to provide natural refrigeration for more delicate products, such as food. At the heart of all this was a giant marketplace that had almost everything to offer. A large gate allowed for access to this large compound to the city of Scindolus Point. Trade flourished at this time, and Scindolus Point soon became the focal point of the Krumitar merchant fleet.

Jawal IV was a benevolent ruler, but he was obsessed with the military. He had been fascinated with the idea of combat ever since he was a small child. Because of this, he was very interested in all thing military related, especially technological advances in this area. One of the largest changes he made was the adoption of the bow and arrow into the Lukan. This style of combat could attack enemies from long distances, such as across ships, while keeping his own men at a distance and reducing casualties. He also saw promise in metal smelting and found the potential for weapons to be great. Under his discretion, the military began experimenting with these metals, doing their best to create weapons that included metal in their design. Jawal IV even encouraged metal to be placed at strategic points on the military ships to protect them from any projectiles flung.

Jawal IV was also bent on grabbing territory. It was recorded that after looking at a map his aides had brought him, he noticed the large area separating the colony of Scindolus point from the rest of the Krumitar Empire. "Why is this not ours?" he had asked an aide. The reply came back that it was unknown. "Well," Jawal IV said, "it is ours now." Thus, the Krumitar Empire claimed all of the land that remained between the empire and the colony of Scindolus Point. Jawal encouraged settlement of this area by basically offering the land to those willing to cultivate it. Jawal IV was also very interested in maps and always wondered what actually lay further inland on the continent of Scindolia.

- Excerpt from Encyclopedia Adriatica

Advances were made in boat building, and these in turned help produce the first relatively accurate map of western Scindolia. Trade continues to flourish between Ikakota, Juanamaja, and Cilveku Nacija. and Ikakota, whom trades over land as well as over sea.

IkakotaIkakota has expanded inland, mainly along the Krumitus border. This has caused some uneasiness by Krumitus, but the empires remain non-hostile. Innovations from Ikakota as well as Krumitus have led to the construction of a ship that can reach Cilveku Nacija, increasing trade.

JuanamajaJuanamaja has remained much the same over the past one hundred years.

Cilveku NacijaCilveku Nacija has increased both the size of its empire and the volume of trade with the other Scindolian states.

PerdagastanTrading directly with Kattaristan has increased its economy, and it still partakes in what remains of the Silver Road trade. An expansionist policy have allowed it to expand all the way to Lake Athenges and Kattaristan's border, even participating in some maritime trade on the lake.

KattaristanWhile it seemed that by the late 1600's Kattaristan was set to enter a new golden age of prosperity, it became clear in the early days of the eighteenth century that that was, not the start of a bold new era, but the zenith of the old Kattar civilization. As religious leaders began to preach tighter controls on foreign trade with the "infidels" of Perdagastan(whom, influence both by Kattar and Krull culture, had created their own branch of the eagalian faith with polytheistic ideals), and the government became more and more corrupt, they soon lost control of the northern provinces, retreating to the current land area. The slow collapse of the government shows no signs of stopping, though, and the date of independence for the northern provinces, 1763 A.C., marks the end of the years of first greetings.

The Krull EmpireWhile the decline of the Krull empire may have seemed inevitable to an outside observer at the turn of the eighteenth century, due to the increasing class and racial conflicts, aggressive government programs managed to stall it for over a hundred years. Population centers were set up along the coastline, and trade was increased with the surrounding states. The government also expanded the military, in preparation for a possible Kattar attack. Perhaps the most important discovery, though, near the end of the eighteenth century, was the alloy of tin and copper known as bronze. This revolutionized weapons and tools, although it was hardly widespread, just like copper before it, because of its expensive and rare nature.

KrumitusKrumitus continued to expand, both along the southern coast and on Meditterrania, where a colony, Jawalm, was established. This became a center of commerce, with many sculptures depicting the peaceful coexistent of the four scindolian states. However, a string of morally questionable and corrupt officials dampened the celebratory mood of this era.

IkakotaIkakota has continued to expand westward, increasing trade with Krumitus. This has caused some bad relations, however, although they remain minor.

PerdagastanLack of trade in the northern colonies after Hellania's retreat had left them poor, and along with the increasing poverty found in Perdagastan because of Kattaristan's isolationist attitude, has led to the abandonment of these areas by formal government.

Marked by the decline of Kattaristan, the years of lesser progress were the first great dark age, eventually expanding to encompass every single major civilization on the globe. As Kattaristan and Perdagastan pulled further and further into the center of the empire, and religious zealots gradually took control of the empire, The Krull Empire was having problems of its own. Finally, the great conflict between the two classes erupted into full civil war, and the Krull retreated to the front of the southern river, defending it from all others, and forming the independent state of Barukrull. The rest of the empire quickly destabilized, except for the area bordering both the northern lake and the Circumglobal ocean, which resulted in rule by the native population. But while the nations to the west were falling apart, the scindolian states continued their golden age for over a hundred and fifty more years. Finally, however, the land under Krumitus control became to vast, and the emperors too corrupt, for it to continue much longer. The leader of the military stage d a coupe, then focused on war with Ikakota. Ikakota, with a considerable army of its own, attacked back, and both exhausted their national treasuries, and, attempting to increase taxes to pay for the war, gradually fell into ruin. Ikakotan government managed to hold on along a small bay, while Krumitus dissolved into three separate, self-governing states. Juanamaja and Cilveku Nacija decreased in power as well with no stabilizing forces or sources of income.

The stagnation of technology, culture, and civilization as a whole that is characteristic of the years of lesser progress was not complete, however. Bronze technology radiated outward from the Krull empire, and bronze discovered by Krumitus spread throughout the scindolian states before its collapse. Perhaps the most significant occurrence in the long term, however, was the arrival of a culturally independent states in eastern Caspia, the Calypso Hegemony, near the end of the years of lesser progress. This contrasted the traditional 2-part culture that had existed so far, and promised new interactions and technology in the years to come.

While the years of lesser progress certainly were the low point of civilization so far, they could not last forever. At roughly the same time, the olden and newer states began to grow and expand once again, creating a new golden age with an even more cosmopolitan nature than the last.

KattaristanThe uprising of the population of Kattaristan, dethroning the High Meda and creating a new, secular government that marks the end of the years of lesser progress in Kattaristan. Rebuilding its economy and reclaiming lost territory, Kattaristan has regained its position of dominance in Hellania and the surrounding regions. The flourishing trade has only been helped by the invention of the compass, and marine trade is much more common.

The Krull EmpireWhile the years of lesser progress still persist in the Krull Empire, progress has been made and a new golden age can e seen in the near future. Expansion has been allowed by the stability of the empire, witch has been greatly increased by the evolution and spread of Sondagdom, a new relgion resulting from the clash of Eaglianism and the Krull region's original sun-worshiping paganism(see bottom of page), during the years of lesser progress.

LuichoSlowly the power of the controlling emperors and their government declined and the Krumitus civilization fell into disarray. Three major centers of power developed in the vacuum left behind by the Krumitar Empire, which were Luicho, Jawalm, and the old capital of Krumit. For the most part, the old city of Krumit continued to recognize the emperors as their rulers and were severely oppressed and militaristic. Jawalm continued to be a center for trade, although it was nothing close to its former self. Numerous ruins dotted the landscape showing its former glory.

The city state of Luicho was probably the best off of the three Krumitar cities. It had been isolated from the war with Ikakota thanks to the geography and landscape. Trade had continued to flow along the southern coastline, and through to Scindolus Point. But after several years, even this dropped off and Scindolus Point became more of a town than anything. However, Luicho stayed relatively the same. The population kept up at a steady rate, and the educational centers continued to move forward as best they could given the circumstances. Luicho managed to keep a large portion of its merchant fleet alive, although a majority of the massive treasure ships were lost due to the dying trade.

But after several centuries of inactivity, the citizens of Luicho became curious of their outside world again. Old stories had told of a once massive empire, with a huge population. If this was true, then there had to be more cities that had survived the fallback. Merchants began exploring once again. The Senators of the Republic gave the go ahead for exploration to begin, and ships were sent up and down the coasts to make contact with the old remnants of the Krumitus Civilization. As the states first foreign related act in centuries, Luicho officially reclaimed the city of Scindolus Point farther north up the coast and set it up as a stepping stone for contact with the rest of the world.

-Excerpt from Encyclopedia Adriatica on the disintegration of Krumitus during the years of lesser progress.

IkakotaA restructuring of government has allowed Ikakota to expand once more. Wary of further military involvement from Krumitus, the government has begun financing an army.

Calypso HedgemonyThe Calypso Hedgemony has expanded during the last one hundred years, and the different states that made up the hedgemony have begun to interact through the exchange of top athletes to compete in sports. An increase in blacksmiths has allowed more common dispersal of metal tools.

PerakanaArising from a collection of city states formed during the golden age of the Silver Road, Perakana has come to encompass the southern tip of the Perak peninsula. The majority of the population is composed of worshipers of Sondagdom, a highly vocal minority of Eagalians is also present.

KrumitusWhile many other states have come out of the years of lesser progress, Krumitus largely remains isolated and weak.

JawalmComing out of the years of lesser progress, Jawalm society is heavily militaristic, and has quickly grown to encompass much of the surrounding land.

JuanamajaLike Krumitus, Juanamaja remains weak.

Cilveku NacijaLike Jawalm, it has become heavily militaristic and expansionist. It has developed its own sect of Yulamee that centers around the fire spirit(representing the sun), only encouriging conflict between it and the smaller, traditional states.

BarukrullWhile expanding somewhat, Barukrull largely remains in the years of lesser progress.

PerdagastanComing out of the years of lesser progress, partly because of the rise of Kattaristan and Perakana, Perdagastan has once again become a regional power.

The Meda CaliphateFormed by the fleeing of the High Meda from Kattaristan, The Meda Caliphate is a relatively prosperous area, who, despite highly religious government, has been forced to come out of the years of lesser progress.

TelukaraFormed via influence from the Calypso Hegemony, they resemble it culturally, politically, and economically.

A new religion, Sondagdom, has arisen from the clash of Krull paganism and Eaglianism. Spreading throughout southern Meditterrania, it is monotheistic and centers around the sun as a manifestation of divinity, and sunlight god's gift to the people. It establishes a caste system(that, in Krull-ruled lands, often manifests itself as Krull being ethically superior to non-krull) which helps maintain stability in many regions.

A sect of Yulamee that focuses on the fire element as superior(in relation to agriculture, which focuses in turn on the sun) has supplanted original Yulamee traditions in Cilveku Nacija-dominated lands.

KattaristanA continuation of the new trade routes has made Kattaristan even wealthier than before. With trade ranging from Lake Athenges to the Circumpolar Sea, a new trade route has formed that follows the route of the Silver Road, connecting Kattaristan with Perdagastan, Perakan, The Krull Empire, and even Barukrull. The old Silver Road has also begun to be reborn, connecting the same countries.

The Krull EmpireThe Krull empire has remained much the same in the past one hundred years, except for that it has adopted an expansionist policy. It and Barukrull are engaged in long-term warfare over control of the Eastern Island.

LuichoAs the Luichan Republic slowly began to spread, word came from around the Scindolian continent that there were still survivors out there and that, for the most part, they were segmented and separate. This news was both frightening and exciting. For the most part, the opinions of the Luichans could be split into two major groups: those that were for contacting these people in the hopes of recreating past glory, and those that would rather keep the outsiders out. They believed that the reason the Krumitus Civilization had fallen was because of these militaristic people, and that they had to pay the price for their oppressive ways. Needless to say, money played a large part, and the small merchant class was very influential in getting the Senators to approve the expansion of the Luichan Republic.

A massive campaign went out into the former Krumitar Civilization to spread the word that the former city state of Luicho was going strong, and that the Krumitar people would be welcomed into their arms, so long as they accepted the Luichan government. These messengers were sent out far and wide to spread the word to the scattered remnants of the Krumitar people. For several years the city of Luicho sat and waited, ready to install experienced governors and administrators to those provinces and areas that accepted the Luichan government.

In the meantime, the merchant fleet was slowly expanding, but nowhere near the pre-Dark Ages. But it was still progress, and numerous trade cities and settlements were established up and down the coast of southern Scindolia. Settlers were sent out along the coasts in both directions to establish these new cities and the population of Luicho continued to gain.

The Universities of Luicho continued to discover advances as well. One of the largest was the invention of the triangle sail that allowed the merchant fleets to more effectively navigate the waters and tack back and forth against the wind. Now, the fleets of the Luichan Republic could go wherever they pleased, so long as they had a decent wind with which to work and a lack of strong currents to run against.

One of the largest changes among the Luichan Republic was an issued decree of the Senate that required all cities to follow a standard of engineering. Streets of the cities were to be laid out in an organized and efficient way to maximize transport. A building code was installed that required certain standards for all constructions for the safety of the people and those working within the city. One of the largest changes was the installation of sewers that kept waste below the streets and out of the way of the people. These changes made the cities of the Luichan Republic quite beautiful and organized.

-Excerpt from Encyclopedia Adriatica

IkakotaSlight expansion along coast.

Calypso HedgemonyThe past century was of a flourishing nature due to the administrative reforms brought to the land by the politicians in power. These reforms strengthened the power of the federal state, while the cantons gave some power away. Through a well planned economy the smithing business could be expanded even more. This helped to improve the canton's militias, as they are now equipped with proper weaponry and armour when entering the militia.

In the northern cantons a plague has begun spreading. This is rather bad for the trade within the country, but the smartest philosophers suggested that the hygienics standards should be raised, so Aqueducts were constructed and waste was brought to the oceans. This changed society quite a bit, as Aqueducts could easily be used to irrigate distant fields. The crop chambers were filled slowly but steadily, so there could be nothing standing against a nice population growth.

Through the expansion of the blacksmiths certain tools were invented such as the plow, the Axe, and finally the sword, the first tool only created to kill human beings. The shortsword quickly became a stable weapon in Calypso Militias.

-Excerpt from Encyclopedia Adriatica

PerakanaPerakana has taken complete control of the Perakana peninsula and the surrounding lands. It has benefitted greatly from the maritime trade in the region, and much of their new-found wealth comes from trade.

KrumitusKrumitus has voluntarily joined Luicho.

JawalmJawalm has expanded even further, and is now participating in a border war with C.N.

JuanamajaJuanamaja is beginning to come out of the years of lesser progress, with a centralized government beginning to emerge out of the collection of warring states.

Cilveku NacijaEngaged in border war with Jawalm, partly due to religious differences.

BarukrullFighting with The Krull Empire for possession of the eastern island.

PerdagastanPerdagastan has expanded and once again has become a key trading point, participating in the new maritime trade in the circumglobal trade, as well as with Kattaristan and The Meda Caliphate on Lake Athenges.

The Meda CaliphateBecoming aggressive, it has expanded eastward to take control of a formerly unorganized, yet agriculturally rich, river delta. Engaged in maritime trade with Kattaristan and Perdagastan, as well as a small branch of Silver Road trade.

TelukaraTechnological diffusion from The Calypso Hedgemony has allowed expansion along the coast.